Night Kiwi
Copper Sculpture by Michael Phillip Bennett
“Night Kiwi” searching the forest floor
100% Copper, internally brazed and mounted on a piece of hardwood recovered from the old Kaikoura Wharf.
Dimensions: 310 × 280 × 400mm
70 hours
In the tranquil village, nestled on the volcanic slopes of Whakaraupo, Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand, Michael Phillip Bennett crafts his vision in his Cass Bay studio.
Inspired by a deep respect for natural elements, Mick’s artistry blends his life’s experiences with his enduring creativity, capturing forms that evoke themes of solitude, resilience, and harmony with the Earth.
Mick’s journey into art evolved over years of honing skills from diverse paths, eventually shaping his passion for sculpture. Working with repurposed copper, he hand-cuts each piece, layering and shaping it with careful precision. Each stage of his process is meticulous: after forming, the metal is clamped and brazed, then further reinforced internally to create sculptures durable enough for outdoor display and all weather. Indoors, his pieces reveal intricate layers and fine details that invite the viewer to experience them up close.
Whether outdoors or in a home, Mick’s sculptures exude a raw, organic presence. Each piece carries a story, born through the transformative power of fire and metal that bridges worlds, rekindling our bond to something elemental, enduring, and deeply rooted.
Copper Sculpture by Michael Phillip Bennett
“Night Kiwi” searching the forest floor
100% Copper, internally brazed and mounted on a piece of hardwood recovered from the old Kaikoura Wharf.
Dimensions: 310 × 280 × 400mm
70 hours
In the tranquil village, nestled on the volcanic slopes of Whakaraupo, Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand, Michael Phillip Bennett crafts his vision in his Cass Bay studio.
Inspired by a deep respect for natural elements, Mick’s artistry blends his life’s experiences with his enduring creativity, capturing forms that evoke themes of solitude, resilience, and harmony with the Earth.
Mick’s journey into art evolved over years of honing skills from diverse paths, eventually shaping his passion for sculpture. Working with repurposed copper, he hand-cuts each piece, layering and shaping it with careful precision. Each stage of his process is meticulous: after forming, the metal is clamped and brazed, then further reinforced internally to create sculptures durable enough for outdoor display and all weather. Indoors, his pieces reveal intricate layers and fine details that invite the viewer to experience them up close.
Whether outdoors or in a home, Mick’s sculptures exude a raw, organic presence. Each piece carries a story, born through the transformative power of fire and metal that bridges worlds, rekindling our bond to something elemental, enduring, and deeply rooted.

